By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
Welcome to 2024 and a golf industry that was rejuvenated by an influx of new golfers during the pandemic and within the years since. The PGA of America and its almost 30,000 members and associates continue to lead the way in player development, facility management, innovation and engagement. All of this excellence will be on display at the PGA Show, slated for January 23-26, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.
As is the norm, the PGA Show is kicked off by its marquee demo and club-fitting event – PGA Show Demo Day. Taking place on January 23rd at Orange County National in Winter Garden, Florida, PGA Show Demo Day is the industry’s opportunity to show off its latest equipment, technology, training aids and more. It’s a chance for PGA of America Golf Professionals to experience these new products firsthand and learn from experts and industry leaders in the field.
The Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) will again be on hand to present demonstrations on its core pillars – coaching, practice, player development, fitting/demo, operations and engagement. The following programming will be featured on the Demo Day outdoor stage and will be open to all friends of the GRAA:
9:45 a.m. – Trillium Rose, PGA; Tom Henderson, PGA and Jake Hutt – Modern Social Media
10:30 a.m. – The Gray Institute & Golf Fitness Association of America – 3D Functional Golf Movement Coach Program
11:30 a.m. – Jeff Smith, PGA & James Hong – A Decade of Development – Age 8-18
1:00 p.m. – Adam Smith, PGA – Teaching Tempo and Timing for a Rhythmic Golf Swing
2:00 p.m. – Scott Hassee, PGA – How to Measure Strategic Ability
Also, look for representatives under the GRAA-branded tents and enjoy a game of cornhole while relaxing by a fire pit.
In addition to the Demo Day festivities, the GRAA will host a Networking Breakfast on Thursday, January 25th from 8:00-9:30 in Room 311AB. This event is presented by Coastal Netting, Tex-Net and 1764.
Demo Day allows attendees to immerse themselves in hands-on workshops and one-on-one dialogues with equipment gurus. Huge video screens will show best practices that everyone can use and a stage with theater-style seating will create a memorable and educational day for all in attendance.
In addition, many of the GRAA’s most successful award winners will be on hand to chat with fellow professionals and answer questions about their success in coaching, custom fitting, player development, operations and engagement. You won’t want to miss the expertise, the discussions and the vast opportunities to learn from your colleagues in the industry.
2023 GRAA Award Winners are invited to pick up their award crystals (provided by Sterling Cut Glass) at the breakfast or on the Show Floor in booth 3002 (PGA Magazine) during Show hours. Thank you to our 2023 award partners – Coastal Netting, Tex-Net and Toptracer.
In addition, almost 50 of the industry’s leading equipment and technology companies will be on hand to demonstrate their innovative products at the 2024 PGA Show Demo Day, including Bridgestone Golf, Callaway Golf, Cleveland Golf, COBRA PUMA Golf, FlightScope, Garmin, Mizuno, Ping, PuttView, Srixon, Titleist, U.S. Kids Golf and XXIO. Presenting partners in attendance will be Clubhouse Events, E-Z-GO, FlagD, GOLFFOREVER, Oakley, Uneekor and Wittek Golf Supply Specialists.
This year’s event is further enhanced with a central food court featuring food trucks and live music by Spencer Ludwig, Latin Grammy-winning and Grammy performing trumpeter, songwriter, producer and DJ.
PGA Professionals can register at PGAShow.com. The 2024 PGA Show Demo Day is open exclusively to PGA and LPGA Professionals, media and invited guests from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and will open to other interested parties at noon.
All attendees are strongly encouraged to pick up their Show badges at the Orange County Convention Center BEFORE arriving at Orange County National to ensure a smooth check-in process and minimal wait times. Complimentary shuttles will be provided to and from the Convention Center for timely access to the range. Attendees driving to Demo Day will be directed to park in the field parking lot and be shuttled to the Registration Tent.
